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Review
. 2021 Mar;70(1):25-32.
doi: 10.33073/pjm-2021-013. Epub 2021 Feb 24.

Microbiota: A Missing Link in The Pathogenesis of Chronic Lung Inflammatory Diseases

Agnieszka Magryś  1
Affiliations
Review

Microbiota: A Missing Link in The Pathogenesis of Chronic Lung Inflammatory Diseases

Agnieszka Magryś. Pol J Microbiol. 2021 Mar.

Abstract

Chronic respiratory diseases account for high morbidity and mortality, with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis (CF) being the most prevalent globally. Even though the diseases increase in prevalence, the exact underlying mechanisms have still not been fully understood. Despite their differences in nature, pathophysiologies, and clinical phenotypes, a growing body of evidence indicates that the presence of lung microbiota can shape the pathogenic processes underlying chronic inflammation, typically observed in the course of the diseases. Therefore, the characterization of the lung microbiota may shed new light on the pathogenesis of these diseases. Specifically, in chronic respiratory tract diseases, the human microbiota may contribute to the disease's development and severity. The present review explores the role of the microbiota in the area of chronic pulmonary diseases, especially COPD, asthma, and CF.

Keywords: COPD; asthma; cystic fibrosis; lungs; microbiota.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest The authors do not report any financial or personal connections with other persons or organizations, which might negatively affect the contents of this publication and/or claim authorship rights to this publication.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
A circle of dysbiosis and inflammation in chronic pulmonary diseases.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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